Footballer dies following fatal match injury

Tributes have flooded in for 21-year-old Peruvian footballer Helar Gonzales Altamirano, who tragically passed away in hospital following a horrific collision with a goalkeeper during a match.

Helar was knocked unconscious after crashing into a rival goalkeeper while attempting to reach a long ball.

He was quickly taken off the pitch on a stretcher and transported to the hospital in an ambulance.

His brother, Eliceo, who had been requesting prayers on social media for Helar earlier in the week, confirmed on Thursday that his brother had passed away later that same day.

Eliceo attributed the death to a ruptured artery in Helar’s head, which was the result of the collision.

Helar’s club, Real Titan Nc, expressed their sorrow, stating: “Rest in peace, friend. We will remember you for your passion for football and love for your family.

You leave us with deep pain. Our strength goes to your family at this difficult time, and they are not alone, as Titan and the football community are with them.”

In an emotional tribute, the club shared live footage of Helar’s coffin being taken to a funeral home and a video showcasing his goals scored earlier in the year, before his life was tragically cut short..

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The fatal incident occurred in the 70th minute of a Copa Peru match between Helar’s team and Defensor Nueva Cajamarca.

Helar’s father, Jose, who was in the stands at the time of the collision, spoke to a local TV station, his voice choked with emotion. “I want to thank everyone for their support during this terrible pain we are going through,” he said. “Helar dreamed of being a great footballer from a young age and always talked about going far in the sport. I know his team will dedicate their future successes to him.”

Jose described his initial shock when he first saw the collision, not realizing it was his son who was down on the pitch. “I wanted to rush onto the field when I realized it was Helar, but they wouldn’t let me. I didn’t see him until we arrived at the hospital, where he was already in critical condition.”

Helar’s funeral is scheduled for Friday. The Peruvian Football Federation also extended their condolences, stating: “We mourn the passing of Helar Gonzales Altamirano. Our deepest sympathy goes to his family, friends, and Real Titan Club.”

Crediblenewng.com